Kira Dikhtyar

This former Russian rhythmic gymnast turned international top model and actress is one impressive beauty to keep your eye on…

Tell us about your career as a professional gymnast, Kira.
I started practising gymnastics at the age of six, professionally began competing from 11 and became a member of the Russian national team at the age of 13.

What is something most people wouldn’t know about you?
That I finished special school for professional athletes, with gold medals in Academics, and earned a scholarship in Moscow State University – the best university in Russia.

How did you get into modelling?
When I was a kid I never dreamed of becoming a fashion model, I was competing in rhythmic gymnastics and wanted to become a coach. While I was training, I was chosen by my team to pose for magazines and sporting brands. So, one day a famous international scout saw me and advised me to try the modelling business abroad, explaining that there is not much business in Russia. I didn’t think about a modelling career until after I quit competing in gymnastics. After that, I entered Moscow State University but then didn’t want to study. So, I tried modelling in Europe and I was pretty successful for a young girl. But the biggest success happened when I came to L.A. and met my manager – I’ve been collaborating with her for more than 10 years!

What are some of your biggest modelling career highlights?
There’s been so many and much more to come. Things like my first Vogue Italia shoot with Ellen Von Unwerth, Bruce Weber for Abercrombie & Fitch, appearing in Playboy U.S.A., doing the TV show The Face, having appeared on dozens of international magazine covers… hopefully my biggest achievements are still in the near future.

What’s been your favourite magazine cover to do?
Probably shooting with Ellen von Unwerth for Vogue Italia – this image combined sport and high fashion and has been published in the best fashion magazine in the world.

Where’s your favourite place to travel to?
Los Angeles because I can combine work and other activities, like going to the beach, hiking, and there is always so much going on there. The weather is great too, it’s practically summer all year round. And, of course, I have lots of friends who live in L.A., so there’s many memories! So, if I had to choose my next trip I’m definitely “going back to Cali”.

Finally, tell us about this sexy MAXIM photo shoot.
We did this shoot in Malibu Beach in Los Angeles, but the weather this day was not so great. We were afraid that it was going to rain but definitely got lucky. I was freezing all throughout this photo shoot, but it’s always great to work with great professional team who made it easy.

STATUS UPDATE

FULL NAME: Kira Dikhtyar
BORN: March 17
HOMETOWN: Moscow, Russia
LIVES: New York, U.S.A.
HEIGHT: 178cm
EYE COLOUR: Green
FIVE-WORD SELF-DESCRIPTION: “Workaholic with impeccable work ethic. I’m also hypersensitive and an overachiever.”
FAVOURITE QUOTE: “I don’t mind living in a man’s world as long as I can be a woman in it.”
FAVOURITE MOVIE: “Kill Bill.”
FAVOURITE BOOK: “Sex and the City.”
INSTAGRAM: @kiradikhtyar